House Finch

15 cm (6") Abundant in west; rapidly expanding in east especially in urban areas where it was introduced in the 1940's. Cities, parks, farms, canyons, feeders.

Male: brown cap. Red to orange line over eye. Red or orange throat and breast. Streaked sides. Similar Purple Finch lacks streaking on side and has a lower less strident song.

Female: sparrow-like; dull brown, heavily streaked above and below. Plain face - lacks the distinctive ear patch and eyebrow stripe of similar female Purple and Cassin's Finches.

Song: lively high-pitched warble with harsh notes often ending in a nasal "wheer"; whistled "wheat " call.

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